After 134 years of organized and selective breeding of the Arabian horse in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Bosnian Arabian horse was officially recognized as a breed. With this historical act, a new page was written in the equestrian industry of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also part of the cultural, genetic and historical heritage of our country was preserved.
As announced by the Association of Breeders and Lovers of the Bosnian Arabian Horse (UUBAK), the Bosnian Arabian horse was created through long-term selective breeding in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, just as other well-known Arabian subtypes and breeding lines such as the Polish, Russian, Egyptian or Shagya Arabian horse were created throughout history. Through generations of breeding, specific traits, genetics, type and characteristics were formed that today make up the identity of the Bosnian Arabian horse as a special and recognizable breed.
“Recognition of the Bosnian Arabian horse did not come overnight. Behind this success are years of dedicated work, research, scientific analysis and struggle to preserve the identity of the horse that has been bred in this region for generations. In the past seven years, an intensive process of collecting historical documentation, producing scientific papers, DNA analysis according to the highest world standards and cooperation with domestic and international experts in the field of genetics, breeding and veterinary medicine has been carried out,” it states.
A special role in the whole process was played by the Association of Breeders and Lovers of the Bosnian Arabian Horse (UUBAK), which over the years worked tirelessly to preserve and affirm this breed. Through international partnerships, cooperation with breeders and experts from the region and the world, as well as active action within international organizations, the foundations for the official recognition of the Bosnian Arabian horse were created.
Today, the Bosnian Arab horse is also an associated member World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO), the world’s most important organization for the Arabian horse, which further confirmed its identity, continuity of breeding and international recognition within the world community of Arabian horse breeders.
“This recognition has a much deeper meaning than the administrative process itself. It is a confirmation that Bosnia and Herzegovina has its own breeding story, its own genetic identity and a tradition of breeding the Arabian horse that has lasted for more than a century. The horse that was once a symbol of the state studs and the pride of local breeders has today been saved from oblivion and disappearance,” they said.
The Association states that numerous enthusiasts, breeders, veterinarians and researchers made a great contribution to this historic success, but especially people who carried the entire project on their backs for years.
“Among them, Adnan Delić stands out, a man who, together with his team and his wife, Nermin Spahija, led one of the most important battles for the preservation of Bosnian equestrianism in modern history. Their work, together with the support of numerous friends and associates from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Austria, Germany, Turkey and other countries, resulted in recognition that will remain permanently inscribed in history,” they emphasized.
Today, the Bosnian Arabian horse is not only a symbol of tradition. It represents a combination of history, science, culture and the future. His recognition opens the door to new projects, international cooperation, development of breeding, sports and education of young generations who will continue to preserve what has been created for more than a century.
“This moment is not the victory of an individual. This is the victory of all people who believe that Bosnia and Herzegovina must preserve its heritage, its identity and its values. After 134 years – the Bosnian Arabian horse is finally recognized under its name, in its homeland, among its people,” UUBAK says. N1 BiH.
